Unknown Raptor Arapahoe County

[Julie Martinez]

Good evening everyone!

I was on a lunch break yesterday afternoon near S. Buckley Rd. and E. Alameda Ave., on the street to nowhere just northwest of that intersection by the old trees. 

I was watching a Red-tailed Hawk circling around with a Turkey Vulture when I caught a raptor I am completely baffled by. It was soaring around lazily with the Red-tailed Hawk and would occasionally perch, but out of range of a camera.

The bird was not as bulky and chonky as the Red-tail, but I'd say size range for a Swainson's. What's weird, the bird had very noticeable white/light colored "patch" markings on the dorsal side of each wing, right near the primary coverts (reminding me of a Common Nighthawk, but much larger), compared to the sandy/buff color of the rest of the wing and body. Dorsally, the tail was the same, light color with no discernible striping, bars, or color.

I have not seen this kind of color/pattern in a raptor and want to ask if this is something you guys are familiar with? I really wish I had a picture because the coloring was bizarre to me. Any thoughts of similar sightings would be great!

Julie Martinez

Aurora, CO